Watch Skipping Stones

Skipping Stones is a 2020 coming-of-age drama that follows the life of Charlie, a teenage boy who is grappling with the death of his mother while navigating his way through high school. The film stars Nathaniel Ansbach as Charlie, Gabrielle Kalomiris as Ellie, Charlie's love interest, and Michael Ironside as Charlie's grandfather, who serves as a mentor figure throughout the film.

The film opens with a montage of Charlie's memories with his mother before she passed away from cancer. As the school year begins, Charlie struggles to adjust to life without his mother and finds himself turning to skipping stones at the nearby river to cope with his grief. Through skipping stones, he meets Ellie, a free-spirited girl who shares his love for the outdoors and skipping stones. They quickly bond over this shared interest and begin to spend more time together.

Charlie's grandfather, who is also dealing with the grief of losing his daughter, becomes a source of comfort and guidance for Charlie. He teaches Charlie the art of stone skipping and shares stories of their family history, imparting valuable life lessons along the way.

As Charlie's relationship with Ellie deepens, he is forced to confront his fears and insecurities. He must learn to be vulnerable and honest with himself and those around him if he wants to move forward and find happiness.

Skipping Stones is a beautifully shot film that captures the stunning natural landscapes of its setting in upstate New York. The film features breathtaking scenes of Charlie and Ellie skipping stones at the river, as well as intimate moments between Charlie and his grandfather. The film's soundtrack is another highlight, with a mix of indie folk and alternative tracks that capture the mood and tone of the film perfectly.

The film explores themes of loss, grief, love, and coming-of-age with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The performances of the three leads are outstanding, with Nathaniel Ansbach delivering a nuanced and emotional portrayal of Charlie's journey. Gabrielle Kalomiris is a standout as Ellie, bringing a warmth and charm to the character that makes her instantly likable. Michael Ironside is also excellent as Charlie's grandfather, delivering a performance that is both understated and powerful.

Overall, Skipping Stones is a poignant and heartfelt film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It's a story about finding solace and hope in unexpected places, and ultimately, about the power of love and human connection.

Skipping Stones is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.